Dwight Howard, naturally, wants to sign with the Warriors

Dwight Howard will be available soon, and the Golden State Warriors may be atop his list of preferred destinations.

June 20 has unofficially become “Trade Dwight Howard” day in the NBA, as he’s been dealt on that day in each of the last two years. This year the Charlotte Hornets sent him to the Brooklyn Nets, who are going to buy him out.

Howard will be on his fourth team in as many years next season, carrying a growing history of not being well-liked by teammates. He may not chase money at this point in his career, and the Golden State Warriors are the team to join for anyone chasing a ring. Marc Stein of the New York Times reported the Warriors’ insistent they will not pursue Howard. But the three-time Defensive Player of the Year doesn’t seem to be buying it.

Sam Amick of USA Today, as part of a longer piece, reported Howard has serious interest in signing with the Warriors. Amick echoed Stein, suggesting doubt with the Warriors’ building about how Howard would fit, financially or otherwise. Amick added Howard is known to be interested in joining LeBron James wherever he goes, as laughable as that sounds on the surface.

Howard is not what he was in his prime, but he’s still been a useful player. Over 81 games for the Hornets last season, he averaged 16.6 points, 12.5 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.3 assists per game. But he never developed much variety in his offensive game, and as the NBA has placed value on big men who can stretch the floor Howard has fallen far behind (1-for-15 from beyond the arc over the last three seasons).

Next: Jabari Parker: 5 potential free agent destinations

Once his buyout with the Nets is done, it will be interesting to see what teams surface with rumored interest in Howard and where he ultimately lands. Just don’t count on the Warriors being a suitor.